Illinois reintroduces prison release-credit program

Posted:
Friday, February 22, 2013 4:31 PM EST

SPRINGFIELD -- Inmates in Illinois' prison system who behave behind bars are eligible for release up to six months early.

The Department of Corrections announced the "supplemental sentence credit program" Friday. Governor Pat Quinn suspended a similar program more than three years ago after The Associated Press revealed the prison agency had taken secret shortcuts with it.

The halt swelled the number of inmates and now there are 49,000 in space designed for 33,000.

Quinn signed a new plan into law last spring requiring a minimum 60-day state prison stay and a review of the inmate's criminal history, disciplinary record and education or work progress.

Corrections must notify local authorities of a release two weeks in advance and publish it online.